The T-50 is an advanced jet trainer first flew in 2002 and is capable of Supersonic speeds.  The type has also been modified into a light attack aircraft, has been exported to Indonesia and is being marketed across the globe for various next generation trainer programmes. The Black Eagles, resplendent in their black, gold and white colours scheme are the international ambassadors for the Republic of Korea, they fly with 8 aircraft, in both formation and synchro manoeuvres. 

 Their display at the RAF Waddington International Air Show will be their debut appearance in the UK and make Republic of Korea the 36^th nation to appear at the event since 1995 and the 18^th nation to take part in 2012 the RAF Waddington International Air Show.  The Black Eagles display at Waddington will be part of an unprecedented line-up of international display flying from the UK, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Austria, USA, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.   The flying display will be further bolstered with an impressive line-up of aircraft in the static line –up from: UK, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Algeria and Qatar.

The shortlist of nominees was compiled by BBC One Countryfile presenter Jules Hudson, who said, “Duxford’s historic airfield and its collections dedicated to aircraft, land warfare and conservation are without doubt my favourite.”

Winners in each of the twelve award categories are decided by you, the great British public, so if you’re a fan of IWM Duxford please do take the time to cast your vote. We’d be thrilled to be chosen as Britain’s best heritage attraction.

Votes can be cast online at http://www.countryfile.com/awardsvote .

The closing date for entries is Friday 1 June 2012.

At this year’s Flying Legends (Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July) we’re taking the period feel further with the new Vintage Village, where you can relax in 1940s comfort and watch the world go by.

Situated on the historic hangar base next to Wing Co Joe’s Café, the Vintage Village offers everything you could want for a stylish rendezvous. Enjoy a glass of fizz or two from the Prosecco Bar and listen to the romantic sounds of Harry and Edna’s Revolution 78. These dapper DJs will be playing 1930s and 1940s music in all its original atmospheric splendour on period gramophones.

The Manhattan Dolls make a welcome return after going down a storm at last year’s Flying Legends. This glamorous New York-based Andrews Sisters-style group will be performing those instantly-recognisable hits of the thirties and forties in their own inimitable style.

Enjoy a unique living history experience aboard the Home Front Bus. This classic double-decker bus contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Containing period features and artefacts, the Home Front Bus replicates the sights, sounds and smells of the Home Front – an authentic trip back in time.

Complete your vintage experience by ordering an IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper. Soak up the atmosphere in the Vintage Village as you enjoy a perfect ration-free picnic lunch for two, including the Duxford sausage roll, homemade sandwiches, hand-cut crisps, seasonal salad, a refreshing Pimms summer berry jelly and traditional elderflower presse, all served in a disposable hamper including cutlery, plates and glasses.

The IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper for two costs £21. To order, please email duxfordevents@elior.com or call 01223 497 501. Please give a minimum of three days notice for your picnic order. Picnic orders are collected from Wing Co Joe’s Café on the day.

Join us in the Vintage Village for some forties fun as we recreate the days when ladies were glamorous, gentlemen were dapper and we may have been at war, but we certainly knew how to have a jolly good knees up!

http://www.wingsandwheels-online.co.uk/

The Military and Flying Machines is proud to announce that we are listed as a “parallel event” for the 2012 Olympics, and the only air display featuring both the Sally B and BBMF Lancaster over that period, so we are welcoming many visitors to the Olympics who will take the time out to visit this magnificent and hugely entertaining show and sample a little bit of British heritage, history and hospitality. Most of all we are pleased to announce the return of B-17 Sally B who will once again grace the skies of Upminster in the best way she can, last years display was magnificent and we are sure the 2012 display will be even better.

In addition we are honoured to have the fantastic BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, with the Lancaster attending on both days. A Hurribomber, the Spirit of Kent Spitfire will be giving its usual awesome Damyns Hall displays, and much more, including no less that three WW2 German Luftwaffe aircraft some of who will be performing an airfield attack on Damyns Hall Aerodrome!

On the ground we have another excellent line up over the two days with the chance to embark on a military odyssey and see hundreds of classic military vehicles and tanks, re-enactment displays depicting life in the military (of many nations) from medieval times right up to the modern day with accurate uniforms and authentic equipment giving a realistic insight into the life of the soldier.

There are many things that will entertain and educate, in both war and peace, from a newly liberated French café to a live wartime cookery demonstration, from Germans entrenched in the bitter cold of the eastern front to the uplifting and carefree swing dancing of the 40s to the modern British army in Afghanistan’s combined ops to a submarine conning tower in the middle of the airfield!.

Experience a taste and atmosphere of British military heritage without leaving Upminster. Back by popular demand will be our wonderful live ‘wartime’ entertainment in our huge marquee all day, including a “Big Band”, the “Polka Dot Girls” A salute to the 40’s style all girl singing group and “Annie Andrews”, our gorgeous 40’s pin-up singer, and join in the swinging dancing lessons!

Come and meet our Veterans and Chelsea pensioners, see the marching band, experience the flight simulator and wander around our massive militaria fair and family stalls! Helicopter and tank rides and activities for the kids including mini Jeep, Land rover and tank rides, military mayhem lets loose when the kids learn drill with “Major Headache” and so much more there will be lots for the whole family to do!

Saturday Display: Lancaster (BBMF), Spitfire (BBMF), Hurricane (BBMF), Spitfire (Spirit of Kent), Hurribomber, Jung Meister, P51 Mustang Replica, Harvard, Eindecker, ME 108 and Bucker Bestmann.

Sunday Display: Lancaster (BBMF), Spitfire (Spirit of Kent), Hurribomber (or Kittyhawk), B 17 Sally B, Mustang Replica, Jungmeister, Harvard, Eindecker, ME 108 and Bucker Bestmann

For more information and further updates please visit www.militaryandflyingmachines.org.uk

A stunning aerial display will feature historic and contemporary aircraft from the past 60 years and beyond performing in the skies over IWM Duxford.

Flying displays confirmed to date feature historic and contemporary aircraft from the Royal Air Force, including the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire; Eurofighter Typhoon from No.6 Squadron RAF Leuchars; BAE Systems Hawk from No.208 Squadron, RAF Valley; Embraer Tucano from No.72 quadron, RAF Linton-on-Ouse; Beechcraft King Air from No.45 Squadron, RAF Cranwell and the Grob 115E Tutor from No.115 Squadron, RAF Cranwell.

The Royal Navy is represented by a solo Lynx helicopter display by No.815 Naval Air Squadron from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

Vintage aircraft flying at this celebratory air show include two glorious 1930s Hawker Nimrod single-seat biplanes; the beautiful and rare Hawker Fury Mark I biplane; two North American Harvards, single-engine trainer aircraft which played a vital role in training fighter pilots during the Second World War; three examples of the iconic Spitfire, synonymous with IWM Duxford’s heritage; the famous B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; de Havilland Dragon Rapide and the rip-roaring North American F-86 Sabre.

Also displaying is the Gloster Meteor T7 from Air Atlantique, which was the star of the show at the Autumn Air Show 2011.

On the ground, there will be fun-packed activities for all the family to enjoy and the whole museum is open to explore.

To mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign, IWM Duxford is offering senior visitors (aged 60 plus) a free ticket for The Jubilee Air Show when a full price adult or senior ticket is purchased. This offer is on advance ticket purchases only; it cannot be used on the day of the event.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499 353. The Box Office is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

There is no booking fee but a postage and packing fee applies per transaction. Advance tickets will be available until:

For overseas postal delivery – 5pm on Friday 11 May
For UK postal delivery – 5pm on Wednesday 16 May

If anyone has bought tickets online for this show, they are advised to contact the Shuttleworth Collection on +44 (0) 01767 627927 for further information.

The Shuttleworth Collection WILL BE OPEN if anyone wishes to visit.

TB-25N Mitchell - Pic by Paul Johnson/Flightline UK

The raw power of the B-25 Dutch Mitchell Bomber will be on display at Wings & Wheels 2012 as the throaty roar of the 1700 horsepower engines are once again heard reverberating around Dunsfold Aerodrome, some 70 years after it was based at the historic airfield.

Billed as ‘Heroes of the Night’ following their participation in D-Day, the Dutch Mitchell Bombers and the squadrons who flew them contributed significantly to Dunsfold Aerodrome’s defining Second World War achievements. Now in its 70^th year the Airfield will be marking its anniversary at Wings & Wheels 2012 and is delighted to announce that, with the generous support of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight, the Mitchell Bomber will be returning to the Surrey base to complete its ONLY UK air display at Wings & Wheels over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

It was August of 1943 when the menacing silhouette of the first of the North American B-25 Mitchell’s was spotted in the skies above Dunsfold. The aircraft was easily recognisable due to its twin tail rudders, two engines and unusual tricycle undercarriage which, although very much the norm today, was a daring innovation of its time. The aircraft was used in the defence of the country and in connection with the Allied invasion and liberation of occupied Europe and continued to be based at the Surrey Airfield until 1946.

Gerry Forristal, Wings & Wheels Aviation Director, comments, “Wings & Wheels will be the public’s only opportunity to see this phenomenal aircraft on the UK airshow display circuit this year. We are thrilled to confirm the B-25 Mitchell Bomber is returning to the Aerodrome as it not only holds a fond place in the hearts of us all here on the airfield, but also for our visiting veterans, some of which worked on and flew the aircraft during the Second World War.”

Wartime images and fascinating stories about the B-25 Dutch Mitchell Bombers and the squadrons who flew them can be discovered in the 70^th Anniversary celebratory timeline which can be found in the centre of the show arena at Wings & Wheels 2012.

RoKAF Black Eagles - Pic by Katsu Tokunaga

History will be made at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer when the South Korean Black Eagles become the first fixed wing aerobatics display team from Asia to perform in Europe.

The team, comprising eight T-50 ‘Golden Eagle’ supersonic light-trainer aircraft, will make their debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo on July 7-8.

Their visit is the culmination of more than 20 years’ planning by the airshow organisers, who first contacted the Republic of Korea’s London embassy in the mid-1980s.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Each year we would visit the embassy to build relations and explain the background to our event. Finally, in 2002, we had a breakthrough when the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) sent some of their pilots and senior military representatives to experience the airshow first hand – and they have been back most years ever since. It is a great honour for us to host their visit – and we’re pleased for the UK aircraft enthusiast community who will, I’m sure, be relishing the thought of seeing such rare visitors.”

RoKAF Black Eagles - Pic by Katsu Tokunaga

In order to get the aircraft – 10 in total, including two spares – they will have to be dismantled in Asia and flown the 5,000 mile journey in a fleet of large transport aircraft before being reassembled in the UK.

The T-50 was developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in response to the increased demands on future trainer aircraft to keep up with higher-performance military fighters such as the Typhoon, the F-22 and the Joint Strike Fighter.

Classic Aircraft magazine editor Ben Dunnell said: “It’s no coincidence that the T-50’s manufacturer KAI should be so keen to put this very capable advanced jet trainer on display at the airshow, given the number of potential deals for such aircraft in discussion amongst the world’s air arms, many of whose chiefs now attend the Air Tattoo. With key competitors such as the BAE Systems Hawk and the Russian Yakovlev Yak-130 also due to participate, RIAT 2012 will be an important stage for jet trainer manufacturers.”

The Republic of Korea’s Defence Attaché in the UK, Captain Chong-Ho Choi, said he was delighted his country’s air force pilots could demonstrate their flying capabilities in Europe for the first time. He said: “The Black Eagles are extremely proud to be representing the Republic of Korea Air Force. Their aim will be to perform the best flying display possible not only for the People of the Republic of Korea but also for the rest of the world. It is privilege to be taking part in this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo and I hope everyone will enjoy our magnificent display.”

Red Arrows team leader, Squadron Leader Jim Turner, said: “On behalf of the Royal Air Force and the Red Arrows, I am delighted to welcome the South Korean Display Team, the Black Eagles both to the United Kingdom and the Royal International Air Tattoo. The opportunity to engage with other highly respected professional display teams is always an exciting opportunity and one we look forward to.”

French Navy Rafale M Solo Display

An aircraft at the cutting edge of naval airpower will return to RNAS Yeovilton for its annual Air Day on 23 June. Living up to its name, the Dassault Rafale (‘Squall’, or ‘Hurricane’) will tear through the skies over this key Royal Naval Air Station.

The Dassault Rafale M is the French Navy’s most modern frontline fighter and it’s no stranger to Air Day, examples having attended the show on several previous occasions. However, this will be the first time it will perform a spectacular and dynamic solo demonstration, showcasing its speed, power and supreme agility in what’s likely to be the French Navy’s only public flying appearance in the UK this year.

The Rafale hit the headlines several months before Air Day 2011, when a French Air Force example carried out the first strike of Operation Unified Protector – the NATO mission established to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya. More recently, the type’s been in the news again as the preferred choice for the Indian Air Force’s massive Multi-Role Combat Aircraft contract. This contract, when completely firmed-up, will represent the first foreign order for Dassault’s hi-tech super-fighter.

The French Navy are strong supporters of the Air Day and the organisers are extremely pleased to welcome them back.  They are confident that the Rafale M’s outstanding performance will captivate each and every visitor to the show.

The current list of aircraft participating in Air Day, which includes three display teams – the RSAF Saudi Hawks, the RAF Red Arrows and the brand-new Red Star Rebels – can be viewed atwww.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday .  Tickets are also available online or by calling the Ticket Line on 08445 781 781.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of entertainment on the ground for all the family including side shows, educational interactive displays, funfair, vintage, classic and military vehicles, service demonstrations, military bands, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much, much more.

Since the last blog, it has been a bust time for airshow organisers. The end of March saw the British Air Display Association AGM and pre-season symposium at RAF Fairford. Thanks must go to Tim Prince and his staff at RAFCTE for providing the venue and refreshments for a very useful meeting. These “get togethers” provide a useful forum for sharing ideas and problems with the rest of the airshow community and also to hear updates from those who allocate military assets and other roles that are very much behind the scenes. We’d like to add our congratulations to all those that were presented with the various awards.

Back at Shoreham, ticket sales are starting to pick up and we’ve had a very large order all the way from the Netherlands! The past week has also seen a very interesting presentation from Geoffrey Lee on the art of air to air photography. In the end, we made over £600 for the Royal Air Forces Association and learnt a great deal on the difficulty and technique on taking images from fast jets! We must thank Geoff for being so generous with his time during the evening.

The flying display is really starting to take shape now. Alongside our very strong support from the Royal Air Force we’ve added a few further items since the last blog. We’re delighted to welcome back out local aerobatic pilot Justyn Gorman who will be presenting his very popular Decathlon display and a new display in Pheonix Flying’s Scottish Aviation Bulldog as part of our CFS theme. The Bulldog is actually an aircraft with very strong Shoreham links being the military development of the Beagle Pup which was designed at and first flew from Shoreham Airport!

We also have started to put together our traditional ‘Battle of Britain Scenario.’ We happy to announce that the Spitfire Ia operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company will be taking part for the first time along with two examples of the Hispano HA-1112MIL Buchon representing Me109s! Joining the Spitfire Ia will be ARCo’s Spitfire IXT as well as the HAC Spitfire Vb and Hurricane XII. There will be further additions announces soon.

Ticket sales continue to come in as well as applications for the Executive Marquee – to get your tickets please visit http://www.shorehamairshow.co.uk .

We are delighted to announce that The Royal Saudi Air Force’s Saudi Hawks’ Display Team will be making their debut display at Air Day 2012, their second ever in this country. Equipped with six BAE Hawk Mk65s, this highly exotic international display team will begin a short UK goodwill tour commencing at RNAS Yeovilton, performing here in company with the RAF Red Arrows.

Like the Red Arrows, the Saudi Hawks use one of the world’s best advanced jet trainers. First flown in 1974, the Hawk has since become a major UK defence export success story and, since forming in 1998, the Saudi Hawks have achieved their own considerable success. Their highly accomplished routine mixes formation loops and rolls with dynamic passes and, in the right weather conditions, includes a record-setting vertical palm tree split manoeuvre. As the Royal Saudi Air Force’s official aerobatic team, the Saudi Hawks are painted in the national colours of green and white and their figures are accented by thick smoke trails.

BAE Hawks will be much in evidence at Air Day 2012: besides those of the Saudi Hawks and the Red Arrows, it’s also planned for examples operated by FRADU to participate. Based at RNAS Culdrose, the FRADU (Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit) Hawks are tasked with carrying out simulation and training sorties for the Royal Navy and, as in previous years, it’s expected there’ll be examples involved in the show-closing Commando Assault

RAF Waddington International Airshow Press Release

RAF Waddington’s International Airshow has welcomed the news that another nation will make their debut at the 2012 show.  It will be the first time that the Royal Saudi Air Force has been represented at Waddington International Airshow, and what better way to make an entrance than with their national display team, the Saudi Hawks.

The Saudi Hawks, flying 6 BAe Hawk jets, painted in green and white the national colours of Saudi Arabia, were formed in 1998 to represent the Saudi nation and act as ambassadors across the world.  The Team, who are based at King Faisal Air Base Tabuk, completed their first public display in 1999, over the capital city of Riyadh, which marked the 100^th Anniversary of the nation of Saudi Arabia.  Since then the team have gone from strength to strength, completing tours across the Middle East and Europe, appearing in the UK for the first time last year.

Their 2012 visit to the UK will see them display at the Royal Navy’s airshow at Yeovilton, before flying into Waddington for the weekend. The team’s Airshow Advisor, is no stranger to the Lincolnshire skies, Sqn Ldr Simon Rea is a serving RAF officer, who left the Red Arrows to take up an exchange position with the Saudi team.  The arrival of the Saudi Hawks at Waddington will make the nation of Saudi Arabia the 33^rd nation to take part in the air show since it began.

26 – 27 May Southend Air Festival
8 Jun Dawlish Air Show
17 Jun RAF Cosford Air Show (Solo Display)
23 Jun RNAS Yeovilton Air Day
30 Jun – 1 Jul RAF Waddington Air Show
20 – 22 Jul Sunderland Air Show
1 Aug Weymouth Bay Festival
25 – 26 Aug Chris Evans’ CarFest
20 – 31 Aug Dartmouth Regatta
31 Aug – 2 Sep Bournemouth Air Festival
8 – 9 Sep Southport Air Show
12 – 14 Sep Guernsey & Jersey Air Shows
14 Oct Duxford Autumn Air Show